Domitian was born in Rome on October 24 A.D. 51, to the future emperor Vespasian. His brother Titus was about 10 years his senior and joined their father on his military campaign in Judaea while Domitian remained in Rome. In about the year 70, Domitian married Domitia Longina, daughter of Gnaeus Domitius Corbulo. Domitian did not receive real power until his older brother died. Then he gained imperium (real Roman power), the title Augustus, tribunician power,
the office of the pontifex maximus, and the title of pater patriae. He later took the role of censor. Although the economy of Rome had suffered in recent decades and his father had devalued the currency, Domitian was able to raise it slightly (first he raised and then he reduced the increase) for the duration of his tenure. He raised the amount of taxes paid by the provinces. Domitian extended power to equestrians and had several members of the senatorial class executed. After his assassination (September 8, A.D. 96), the Senate had his memory erased (damnatio memoriae).
Domitian is on the list of Most Important People to Know in Ancient History.
